Balance disorders and hypothyroidism: A rare cause worth remembering

Year 2019, , 172 - 179, 20.12.2019

Ayhan Kul Arzu Bilen Nuray Bilge , Köksal Sarıhan Hülya Uzkeser Ramazan Dayanan Fatih Baygutalp

https://doi.org/10.32448/entupdates.633311

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate balance disorders and
potential risk factors for falling in patients with hypothyroidism, as well as
postural stability and the risk of falling.

Methods: The participants' sex, age, body mass index (BMI),
falls history in the past one year, and Falls Efficacy Scale - International
(FES-I), Neuropathic Pain Diagnostic questionnaire (DN4) and clinical symptoms
were recorded. The stability index (SI), weight distribution index (WDI) and
falls risk analysis were performed for postural stability by objective
computerised dynamic posturography.

Results: 50 patients were matched for age and sex (mean
age:41.7±11 years; age range:19-61 years) with 47 healthy (euthyroid) controls
(mean age:39±9.6 years; age range:23-60 years). All SI, HL-WDI and falls risk
scores, except FES-I, DN4 and NO-SI, were significantly higher in the patient
group. In addition, other symptoms were present at a higher rate, with the exception
of morning stiffness (p<0.05). There was no significant association between
sex, age, BMI, FES-I, DN4, serum FT4 and TSH levels, clinical symptoms and WDI
values and the risk of falls (r<0.3 and p>0.05). However, there was a
slight positive correlation between the existence of paraesthetic symptoms, a
history of falling, and the overall SI and HL-WDI values (r>0.3 and
p<0.05).

Conclusions: It was determined that, as postural stability is
affected in cases of hypothyroidism, balance becomes disordered and the risk of
falls increases.  This increase in the
risk of falls was associated with being hypothyroid, but not with FT4 or TSH
levels or the other factors evaluated.

Keywords

Hypothyroidism, postural balance, falling

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